Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 600.12. Adoption hearing

1. An adoption hearing shall be conducted informally as a hearing in equity. The hearing shall be reported or electronically recorded.

2. Only those persons notified under section 600.11 and their witnesses and legal counsel or persons requested by the juvenile court or court to be present shall be admitted to the court chambers while an adoption hearing is being conducted. The adoption petitioner and the person to be adopted shall be present at the hearing, unless the presence of either is excused by the juvenile court or court.

3. Any person admitted to the hearing shall be heard and allowed to present evidence upon request and according to the manner in which the juvenile court or court conducts the hearing.